We are approaching a “slippery slope” with the proposed placement of a privately managed and operated entity on what is now public space. Historically, privatization of public spaces or, as the British refer to it “private management of the public realm,” has resulted in the separation of classes as intended.

This raises serious questions about democracy and accountability and is well-evidenced by the vitriolic opposition to direct democracy by an outspoken council member.

Private occupation of public spaces provides the private managers with the power to restrict access. This is a particularly undemocratic model of land control.

The strong push by certain council members in alliance with developers and a small handful of landowners to permit building heights for the sole purpose of creating higher property prices combined with the push by wealthy supporters of an arts building to occupy property in a public park in the name of a supposedly “vibrant” central business district is aimed at destroying the small town feel of Mercer Island for the benefit of a few.

There are those on the council who would create an Island community where only those with the purse of Fortunatus could afford to live.

Carv Zwingle

Mercer Island